Harvard History & Traditions
Stories that explore the institution’s rich history, from archival moments to evolving traditions.
A Look at Harvard’s Distinctive Doctoral Regalia
On regalia, a Jack-of-all-trades retirement, and a Bok’s office bon mot.
by Primus VI
Memorable Mentors
Richard Lewontin, Richard Zeckhauser, diplomatic security, diverse inclusion, and admissions agita lampooned
by Primus VI
The Paintings Found Behind a Shelf of Books in the Harvard Botanical Museum
The discovery of Rosa M. Towne’s paintings in the Harvard Botanical Museum
by Edward Tabor
Yesterday’s News
Headlines from Harvard’s history
Speaking Pheromone
How science is done, in the lab of E.O. Wilson
Origin Stories
Bow and Arrow’s mechanic, James Agee’s creative turbulence
by Primus VI
How Harvard Profited On Keeping Time
Harvard’s clocks and the standardization of time
by Jacob Sweet
Headlines from Harvard’s history
Headlines from Harvard’s history
The Poco of Pocos
Brief life of a Harvard “character”
Yesterday’s News: Headlines from Harvard’s History
From the pages of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin and Harvard Magazine
Sidney Verba, and a classy class reporter
Harvard’s mensch, and a record-setting recorder of Crimson lives
by Primus VI